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Reagan

Documentary | USA 2011 | 103' | OV

Seven years after his death, Ronald Reagan’s mighty shadow still lingers over US politics. From Barack Obama to the reactionary Tea Party movement – everyone keeps invoking the 40th President of the United States, seeking to benefit from his unbroken popularity throughout the country. Commemorating Reagan’s 100th birthday, Eugene Jarecki has made a fascinating documentary that runs the myth through a reality check. As it turns out, his greatest fans, of all people, partake in the gross misrepresentation of his policies. Reagan, the tax cutter? In six of his eight years in office, the tax burden was increased. Reagan, the anti-immigration hardliner? 2.6 million illegal immigrants were amnestied by him. Reagan, the advocate of lean government? He added more to the US budget deficit than any of his predecessors. Jarecki (FREAKONOMICS) not only exposes the contradictions between Reagan’s public image and his actual policies, but also explores the twists and turns in the man’s life.